The number of new listings entering the market last year was the lowest it has been since the turn of the century... down from a peak of 108,033 in 2006 to only 68,875 in 2011.
That low number of sellers entering the marketplace coupled with buyers snatching them up resulted in in a supply of homes for sale that dropped off my chart... only 16,191 active listings at the end of 2011.
If you look ...
As Twin Cities rents go up in in response to high demand and the lowest vacancy rates in about 10 years some renters are starting to wonder if it finally makes more sense to buy.
While there are many factors involved in such a decision, if it boils down to whether buying makes financial sense given current market conditions a good gauge is the price-to-rent ratio.
The price-to-rent ratio is the cost ...
Only two blocks long, the Milwaukee Avenue Historic District is Seward Neighborhood's shining star. This group of small homes built between 1884 and 1890 was the first planned workers' community in Minneapolis, attracting immigrants working in the nearby railroad yards and other industries along Hiawatha Avenue. Built in similar style on quarter-sized lots with no front yards, these homes have more ...
Wondering where to go to look at holiday lights this year?
Holiday Lights in the Park at Lake Phalen in St. Paul is a fun drive-through show of holiday light sculptures and animated displays that is also a great fundraiser, with all net proceeds donated to Second Harvest Heartland, Union Gospel Mission, The Saint Paul Parks Conservancy and UnderConstruction... charities focused on fundamental community ...
The Coffee Shop Northeast is one of those intimate coffee shops that immediately makes you feel at home... like you are already part of the neighborhood. I met new clients there on Thursday night just as I had met another client there a few weeks ago. I was again struck by the 'Cheers' feel of this neighborhood hub... very friendly and welcoming, a place where you go not just for coffee and food but ...
With so much talk about how this is such a wonderful time to buy a home it can be easy to get caught up into thinking YOU should be buying... whether you are ready or not. Regardless of the housing market and financing conditions, it's only a good time to buy if it's the right time for you.
Wondering if you are ready? Here are some signs you are...
You have been looking at homes for sale ...
With fall color season on the way, I couldn't help but think about all the wonderful opportunities we have to take a walk and enjoy the crisp, fall air under trees ablaze with color without even leaving the city. A hidden gem popular with runners and hikers is Pike Island, located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers in Ft. Snelling State Park. I had never hiked it before and decided ...
I was eager to see the ranked list of 30 best Twin Cities neighborhoods in TWIN CITIES METRO magazine's latest issue... and was surprised to find the list wasn't the typical list I expected to see. Most 'best neighborhoods' lists are based on things such as trendy neighborhoods and shopping districts, noteworthy parks and architecture, up and coming neighborhood trends, etc. This list is based on real ...
Last month I wondered if one of my listings would close as scheduled when the title search discovered a mortgage from the previous owner that was never recorded as satisfied. With an owner's title insurance policy we would have simply gone to closing as scheduled in spite of the mortgage satisfaction issue and the title company would have taken care of everything. End of story.
As ...
Looking for a condo/townhome in a suburban setting with a high walk score? Be sure to check out the area around the Edina Promenade, which connects the paths around Centennial Lakes Park recreation and shopping areas with The Galleria/Southdale shopping district.
Divided walking/biking paths pass behind condos and businesses between France and York Avenues, and feature original sculptures and ...